Jenelle Evans is in ‘Britney mode’ amid separation – she has a ‘crushed ego’ but is ‘trying too hard to seem resilient’
TEEN Mom Jenelle Evans has made the bizarre move of channeling Britney Spears in the wake of her marriage breakdown, a body language expert has said.
She claimed the former reality star had copied the Hit Me Baby One More Time singer to persuade fans she would not be taking David Eason back.
Jenelle, 32, shared an Instagram video on Wednesday showing her dancing and miming at the end of her bed at home.
The mom of three was dressed in sweatpants and a crop top, showing off her midriff and tattoos.
Jenelle wiggled her hips, clapped her hands, and wagged her finger to the Lady Gaga track, Applause.
After taking a bow, she threw her long hair extensions over her shoulders and grinned.
Body language expert Judi James said the Teen Mom alum copied Britney’s dance routine posted after her split from Sam Asghari.
She suggested that Jenelle’s version be translated as her “revenge dress.”
Jenelle shared her clip after filing for separation from David, 35, on February 16th.
The reality star claimed she filed paperwork with “the intent that the separation be permanent.”
During her six-year marriage, Jenelle said David “exhibited concerning and at times disturbing behavior towards her.”
“Jenelle was in transformation mode, although there was a micro-hint of chaos about her body language,” James told The U.S. Sun.
“She was also in Britney Spears mode, miming to songs and writhing her body.
The video was Jenelle’s version of putting on a celebrity revenge dress.
Judi James
“This suggested she was trying too hard to appear resilient and robust.
“Just like Britney, Jenelle performed and mimed to a song that reflected her mood.
“Her cropped top showed off both her cleavage and tattoos to signal a desire to look powerful, strong, and sexy.
“She had her bed looking ready in the background.
“The video was Jenelle’s version of putting on a celebrity revenge dress.”
MIXED MESSAGE
Many celebrities might go out of their way to look sensual and confident after a relationship breakdown.
Britney shared a video dancing in tiny neon pants, black knee-high boots, and a crop top in 2023.
“I’ve been playing it strong for way too long and my Instagram may seem perfect but it’s far from reality and I think we all know that!!!” she wrote in her post.
Britney’s message came almost as soon as her divorce from Sam hit the headlines.
“During and after a breakup, we see celebrities trying and wanting to look as gorgeous as possible,” explained James.
“They post online and go out of their way to send an ex a ‘look at what you’re missing’ message.
Jenelle could also have been attempting to make the ex jealous or paranoid.
Judi James
“It is also a way of re-booting a crushed ego and signaling strength and resilience.
“What might be worrying fans here is that it can also be a way of showing she is strong and then re-attracting the ex.
“Jenelle could also have been attempting to make the ex jealous or paranoid.”
GONE CROOKED
Toward the end of her dance routine, the MTV star waggled her finger at the camera as if to tell someone off.
James said she performed a pantomime bow to the camera, after which the routine fell apart.
“Jenelle was taking in imaginary applause, but it failed in the end,” she said.
“She backed away from the camera and performed a snake-hips dance, which suggested celebration at first.
“Jenelle raised one arm in the air with a hand in a fist.
“This again suggested achievement, but she knocked her glasses crooked.”
PRE TEEN
As reported by The U.S. Sun, a source claimed Jenelle had already packed up David’s belongings at home.
This is not the first time Jenelle has split with David.
In 2019, he admitted to killing their dog Nugget, and Jenelle was also fired from Teen Mom.
After reconciling in 2020, David was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon.
The charges were dropped, with Jenelle saying she wanted to leave the relationship.
Jenelle Evan's biggest breakups
2009 – Jenelle was dating Andrew Lewis and got pregnant at 16.
2010 to 2012 – Jenelle had a turbulent relationship with Kieffer Delp, lasting two years.
2012 – Jenelle met Gary Head and got engaged, but called it off within weeks.
2012 to 2013 – Jenelle was engaged to Courtland Rogers but called it off by early 2013.
2013 to 2015 – Jenelle met Nathan Griffith on Tinder. The couple welcomed Kaiser in June 2014, got engaged, and split by 2015.
2015 to 2024 – Jenelle met David Eason on Tinder and was engaged by 2017, but they split in 2019 and got back together in 2020.
Fans commented on Instagram about Jenelle’s recent separation and how she handled it.
“We will celebrate when it’s final,” wrote one.
“Imagine announcing your marriage separation this immaturely. This is how pre-teens act.” said another about her dance clip.
The pair’s marriage had also been riddled with issues surrounding her teenage son, Jace. Jenelle shares Jace with her ex, Andrew Lewis.
Jace had been under CPS care after running away from home several times.
CPS dropped the case with Jenelle, who regained custody.
Jenelle has also filed for full custody of her daughter Ensley, seven, who she shares with David.
PRIM & PROPER
James said Jenelle’s Instagram posts showed a chaotic family dynamic ahead of the separation filing.
“Jenelle’s last few posts before the separation show her personality vanishing in front of our eyes,” she said.
“She was seen sitting at a table on her December birthday, looking prim and subdued in her hairband and cream top.
“David appeared to bring what looked like chaos to the shoot.
“He leaned in with his messy, grizzly-bearded head on top of hers in a dominant display.
Jenelle wanted to send out an old me/new me message of Cinderella-like transformation.
Judi James
“In another, David’s appearance brought the same look of chaos to a shoot with the kids.
“Jenelle was seen with her arms around her children, and her signature wide, beaming smile was gone.
“A closed-lip smile and a sadder eye expression replaced this.
“When the photo of David pops up, he’s sitting and throwing a peace sign at the camera.”
HAPPY EVER AFTER
In another recent Instagram image, Jenelle stood with her kids in costume.
“Jenelle’s legs are crossed at the ankles in a self-diminished pose,” said James.
“Her fixed facial expression made it look like she has stepped out of her usual happy brand.”
Jenelle shot to fame starring in MTV’s 16 and Pregnant before appearing on multiple seasons of the Teen Mom franchise.
Despite her successful reality TV career and OnlyFans ventures, Jenelle has struggled in her marriage to David.
They met in 2015 on Tinder; by 2016, they were expecting their first child.
FAIRY TALES
Around New Year, Jenelle shared what James termed a
“transformation video.”
“Jenelle wanted to send out an old me/new me message of Cinderella-like transformation,” she said.
“She appeared at the start wearing glasses, her hair pulled back, and a casual t-shirt.
“Suddenly, she pulled off the glasses and was wearing super-glam, professional make-up, her hair tumbling over her shoulder.
Jenelle was trying to suggest the split has transformed her, like a phoenix from the ashes of her marriage.
Judi James
“Again, she mimed a song she presented more like a pop star.
“Her raised chin pout and flirty hair-preen touch suggested body confidence and sensuality.
“With all the posts and clips, Jenelle seems to be trying to move forward.
“She wants to be resilient and independent but has been showing worrying, fluctuating emotional states.
“While trying to suggest the split has transformed her, like a phoenix from the ashes of her marriage.
“She wanted to show she was not a frumpy mom but a glamorous and desirable celebrity.
“The worry is if Jenelle might still have a suppressed desire to make her marriage work.”